KL 4-H Newsletter — April 2026
Send articles to cynthia.rogers@maine.edu
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
April 9 Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders Association Meeting, 6 pm, online only
April 11 Speak Up Maine 4-H! Public Speaking Showcase, UMaine Orono (snow date 4/12)
April 17 Maine 4-H Sheep ESE Intent to Participate form due
April 17 – May 3 4-H Paper Clover campaign at Tractor Supply Co. Stores
April 19 – 21 Maine 4-H Agriculture Symposium, UMaine Orono (ages 13 – 18)
April 26 – May 27 New Dates 4-H Agriculture Ambassadors, online and in-person (ages 13 – 18)
April 30 4-H Farm-to-Fair Youth Helper applications due (ages 13 – 22)
May 1 Maine 4-H Horse ESE Intent to Participate form due
May 1 Maine 4-H Working Steer ESE Intent to Participate form due
May 1 Horse, Dairy and Working Steer Animal Approval forms due
May 2 4-H Dairy Judging Contest, Lyman, Maine
May 2 4-H ESE Livestock Judging Contest Tryouts, Bangor, Maine (ages 12 – 18)
May 14 Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders Association Meeting, 6 pm, online only
April Birthdays
Happy Birthday to Ryan F., Libby G., Audrianna B., Lucas C., and Hayden C.!
Speak Up Knox-Lincoln 4-H!
Speak Up, Knox-Lincoln 4-H public speaking showcase was held on March 7. Six youth presented their talks to a live audience at the Knox-Lincoln Extension office. Thank you to our judges Melissa Barbour, Wendy Eaton, and Ryan LeShane, and timer/tabulator Adam Eaton.
All participants qualified for the Speak Up, Maine 4-H! A Public Speaking Showcase on April 11 at UMaine, Orono. Congratulations to all!
Sabrinnah D. Senior Illustrated Talk Unbreakable
Mariyah L. Senior Performing Arts Violas Get the Melody
Kyra B. and Isabella L. Senior Team Demonstration The Basics of Slime
Luke L. Junior Illustrated Talk From Wheels to Whiskers: Caring for Hamsters
Charlotte R. Junior Illustrated Talk Olympic Snowboarder Su Yiming
4-H Project Records—Start Them Now!
Members, have you started your 4-H Project Record yet? It is best to start them early, set your goals, and record your progress throughout the 4-H year.
To encourage more complete project records (include more of the optional sections), the Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders’ Association awards extra effort beyond the basic record with higher award amounts when records are evaluated. In other words, the more components that you complete well, the higher the value of your award can potentially be. Based on the judges’ evaluations, awards will range from $20 to $50 “award value” depending on quantity and quality of work presented. Project Record forms and instructions can be found online.
Check Your Mail for 4-H Union Fair Information Book!
The 4-H Union Fair Information Book, your best source for 4-H participation at Union Fair, will be mailed directly to families this year. Expect it to arrive in mid-April. It will also be posted soon on the Union Fair website. Feel free to contact 4-H staff if you have questions. The Union Fair is scheduled August 5 – August 9, 2026.
4-H Farm-to-Fair Youth Helper Scholarship Program
The Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders’ Association is seeking young people to assist 4-H staff and adult volunteers at the 4-H Farm-to-Fair interactive exhibit at Union Fair August 5 – 9, 2026. The program is open to 4-H members or 4-H alumni pursuing post-secondary education ages 13 – 22. Scholarship funds will be awarded to the assistants based on number of hours contributed. These funds may be used by currently enrolled youth to attend Ignite by 4-H, 4-H National Congress, 4-H National Conference, Leadership Development Programs at Tanglewood, Blueberry Cove, Greenland Point or Bryant Pond 4-H Camps, or another Extension staff-approved program. For 4-H alumni, scholarship funds may be used for tuition or book/materials expenses incurred at a post-secondary educational program.
The Youth Helper position carries more commitment and responsibility than simply volunteering to help. Those chosen for this position will assist staff and adult volunteers in overseeing the operation of the exhibit. This includes (but not limited to) getting the exhibit ready to open or close for the day (depending on shift), making sure barns are stocked with “products” while the exhibit is open, supporting volunteers and filling in when they need a break. Successful candidates will be comfortable speaking to the public, answering questions, and assisting staff in training and leading volunteers.
Each person chosen must commit to at least one shift (2 ½ hours) each day that they are scheduled to help during Union Fair. The number of shifts and days required will be worked out with members and families as helpers are chosen, but at least 5 shifts are expected. Successful candidates must be 13 – 22 years of age. 4-H Farm-to-Fair Youth Helper applications due April 30, 2026. For more information, contact Cindy at cynthia.rogers@maine.edu
4-H Paper Clover Campaign April 17 – May 3 at Tractor Supply Co.
Each Spring and Fall, Tractor Supply Co. helps raise money for 4-H programs with the 4-H Paper Clover Campaign. Customers can donate $1 or more to 4-H in-store at the register or online. The funds are used locally for scholarships for 4-Hers to participate in camps and leadership programs. Participate by donating online or in-store, and tell your friends and family, too!
Clubs and independents can participate in this event! In-store participation with 4-Hers increases donations! Hold a bake sale, do an animal or science demonstration, or provide a carry-out service for customers any time during this campaign. Use your creativity! Connect with your local TSC store to participate in this event. Contact Cindy Rogers if you are planning to participate so she can help get the word out!.
Plan Your 4-H Club Exhibit—Independents, too!
4-H Club Exhibits at Union Fair may be submitted by 4-H clubs and pairs or groups of independent members enrolled in Knox or Lincoln Counties. Any club or sub-group within a Knox-Lincoln club can enter a club exhibit. Independent members can work together with other independents on one exhibit. The 4-H Union Fair Information Book will be available soon! To reserve exhibit space, please contact Cindy Rogers at 207.832.0343 or cynthia.rogers@maine.edu by July 15.
Gift Basket Fundraiser for KLLA at Union Fair
We are bringing back the gift basket raffle at Union Fair! The raffle, which benefits Knox-Lincoln 4-H, will once again feature themed gift baskets filled with quality items donated or made by KL 4-H clubs. Each club is asked to come up with a theme for the club basket and notify Cindy Rogers (207.832.0343, cynthia.rogers@maine.edu) of the theme by July 15. Then the club should fill a large basket or other container with items relating to the theme as a prize for the raffle. We ask that these items be new and high-quality or handmade by 4-H club members, with a total basket value of at least $50.
Ideas for a basket might be a pet care basket, a jams and jellies basket, a scrapbooking basket, a family games basket, a Made in Maine basket…etc. Remember that the basket should appeal to a broad public audience, not necessarily matching your club’s focus. Think about what will sell lots of tickets!
It’s Time to Think About Summer Camp!
Looking to take your Maine 4-H Experience to a new level? Check out the summer programs at your UMaine 4-H Camps! Opportunities for living in community, making new friends, building a sense of belonging, and honing your skills in a whole variety of program options such as, outdoor skills, shooting sports, STEM, creative arts, ecology, gardening, teamwork, and teen leadership. Each camp has scholarship opportunities to off-set tuition costs AND your County 4-H Programs have scholarships to attend camp too. One to three-week sessions available in both day and overnight settings. We hope to see you there!
Knox-Lincoln 4-H members: Apply for Camp Scholarship funds!
- Blueberry Cove, Tenants Harbor, Knox County, Dates: June 21 – August 14, 2026.
- Bryant Pond, Bryant Pond, Oxford County, Dates: June 21 – August 14, 2026.
- Greenland Point, Princeton, Washington County, Dates: June 28 – July 31, 2026.
- Tanglewood, Lincolnville, Waldo County, Dates: June 21 – August 21, 2026.
Bryant Pond and Greenland Point contact, Bethany: 207.665.2068
Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove contact, Emma: 207.789.5868
New Dates: Maine 4-H Ag Ambassadors – Spring 2026
Maine 4-H is now accepting registrations for the spring 2026 Agriculture Ambassadors cohort! The program is designed for youth ages 13 – 18 who are interested in any aspect of agriculture. Youth spend time getting to know each other and learn both online and in-person in sessions facilitated by UMaine 4-H Staff and community partners. Sessions will focus on career exploration, exploring the Maine Food System with farm and production visits around the state, and building relationships with industry professionals.
This season we will visit local Maine Ag businesses like Libby Maple, Yeti Ridge Farm and more. Transportation assistance for these events may be available upon request.
In addition to the multi-week session, youth will serve in their ambassador role with Maine 4-H for at least one year. Youth will pick an agricultural area to focus on (ex. livestock, ag literacy/food systems, environmental stewardship, ag and health) during their term and explore leadership opportunities locally, statewide, and even nationally. Register today!
Online: April 26, May 6, May 13, May 20, and May 27
Maine Agriculture Symposium at the University of Maine: April 19 – 21 (two nights), we try to offer transportation as best we can.
To register visit the Maine 4-H Agricultural Ambassador Program page. For more information or a reasonable accommodation, please contact Alisha Targonski at targonski@maine.edu or 207.622.7546.
Maine 4-H Agriculture Symposium
Dates: April 19 – 21, 2026
Location: University of Maine, Orono
Ages: 13 – 18
The 5th annual 4-H Agriculture Symposium is an overnight experience for Maine youth ages 13 – 18. Participants will take part in hands-on learning opportunities, engage with industry professionals on the University of Maine Orono campus, develop leadership skills, and make friendships with teens from around the state.
Youth will participate in interactive learning experiences like blueberry research, animal science, engineering challenge, industry panel and so much more. Current 4-H membership is not required. Assistance with transportation may be available upon request.
Cost: $40 (a family cap of $50)
Includes meals, lodging, and transportation for this inclusive 2-night, 3-day event
If cost is a barrier, please contact extension.4hagleadership@maine.edu; scholarships are available. Register for 4-H Agriculture Symposium.
Livestock Judging Contest, Maine Team Tryout
Livestock judging is back! For the first time in a long time Maine 4-H is sending a livestock judging team to The Big E and we want you to be a part of it! Tryouts for the team will take place at The Cross Insurance Center on May 2 in partnership with the FFA Livestock Judging Contest. To be eligible for the ESE team, 4-H members must be at least 12 years old by December 31, 2025, and have completed one year in 4-H. All 4-H members are invited to participate in the tryout event and the practice events regardless of their intent to try out for the Eastern States Team. More information on the tryout process will be available soon.
Looking to sharpen your judging skills? Join us for the following practice events:
April 18 at 10 a.m. — Swine and sheep Judging at Quimby Family Farms (566 Sandy River Rd. Starks, ME 04911). Notify Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu so that we can prepare for the event.
April 22 at 9 a.m. — Beef cattle judging clinic and contest at the Fryeburg Youth Show. For more information visit the Fryeburg Youth Show page.
Early College Outdoor Intensives
The UMaine 4-H Camps and Learning Centers at Tanglewood and Greenland Point are each offering Early College programs in conjunction with the University of Maine Division of Lifelong Learning. KPE 265 is a 3-credit course focused on skills in outdoor recreation. This is an introductory course in outdoor and adventure activities, forming the foundation of an outdoor leadership education. The course focuses primarily on participation in four different activity categories: canoeing; bouldering and climbing; hiking and orienteering; and challenge course. KPE 207 is a 1-credit course where participants become certified in wilderness first aid (WFA) and CPR.
Registration: Participants must complete enrollment with the University of Maine Early College Program. Once that is completed we will send you an invitation to enroll for the Tanglewood portion of the program.
UMaine tuition for this course is free for Maine high school students (public school and homeschoolers). Tuition for out-of-state students and Maine private school students is $149 for 2026 per credit for a total fee of $596 for 2026. (Please note there is an overnight fee for this course for all participants).
Overnight fees: $900, including all housing, meals, and certification fees, scholarships available.
Tanglewood:
Dates: July 19 – 31, 2026
Ages: 15 – 18
Visit Early College Outdoor Intensive – Tanglewood for more information and registration links.
Email extension.tanglewood4h@maine.edu directly with any questions.
Greenland Point
Dates: August 2 – 12, 2026
Ages: 16 – 18
Visit Early College Outdoor Intensive – Greenland Point for more information and registration links.
Email extension.greenlandpoint@maine.edu directly with any questions.
Maine 4-H Sheep ESE Intent to Participate Form Now Available
The 2026 Maine 4-H ESE Sheep Intent to Participate Form is now available online and must be submitted by April 17, 2026. This is a requirement for all youth intending to participate as members of the Maine 4-H Sheep Team at the Eastern States Exposition in September (including teen leads).
The Eastern States Exhibition (Big E) 4-H Sheep Program brings together 4-H members from six states in Springfield, MA for three days of events that showcase their animals, knowledge and skills. Members must be 12 – 18 years old as of December 31, 2025 and have completed at least one year in a sheep project.
Contact Megan Cook with any questions or for more information at megan.cook@maine.edu or 207.532.6548.
Equine ESE Intent Forms Due May 1, 2026
The 2026 Eastern States (ESE) Horse Intent Form is now live and online. The form is to indicate your interest in participating in the Eastern States Team Tryout event this summer, which will be on July 31 – August 1, 2026, at the Skowhegan Fairgrounds.
The event this year will offer an overnight opportunity for youth to qualify and to learn and grow while getting to know other youth who are also interested in trying out. Youth can participate in one of the tracks below:
- Teen Leader (4-H age 12 and up)
- Rider or Driver (4-H age 13 and up)
- Groom track (which is a learning track only)
If youth would like to come and learn about the team, help, and observe (especially if they aren’t old enough to qualify for the team yet), they can also come to tryouts as a “Groom” and will need to fill out the intent form.
Youth interested in any of the track options need to fill out the intent form. We use this info to contact and update interested families and youth.
4-H Horse ESE intent form to be filled out by May 1. Approval forms must be filled out and sent to your county office by May 1st as well.
More details will be included in the tryout application packet on the UMaine 4-H Horse Website.
The intent form does not bind you to the tryout event. Applications will be used to determine the event roster and final schedule.
If you have any questions, reach out to: Tara Marble, tara.marble@maine.edu, or
207.778.4650.
4-H Dairy Judging Contest
The 2026 Maine 4-H Dairy Judging Contest will be held on May 2 at BrookRidge Organic Dairy Farm in Lyman, Maine. The event is open to all enrolled 4-H dairy members and will serve as the official tryouts for the 2026 Maine 4-H Eastern States Dairy Judging Team. For a complete schedule for the day please visit the State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest page.
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation contact Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu or 207.342.5971.
New 4-H Rabbit and Poultry Opportunity!
4-H members now have an exciting new opportunity to showcase their skills at The Big E’s first 4-H Rabbit and Poultry Show! Open to youth ages 12 and above, this event is a great way to learn new skills, compete in regional 4-H shows, and connect with others who share an interest in rabbits and poultry.
Participants can look forward to a variety of engaging activities, including breed shows, showmanship competitions, agility contests, and more. Whether you’re experienced or just getting started, this event offers something for everyone. Interested in participating or learning more? Be sure to complete the ESE Rabbit and Poultry interest form.
For more information contact Sadee Mehuren at 207.342.5971 or sadee.mehuren@maine.edu.
Fryeburg Market Lamb Intent Forms Due June 5, 2026
Intent forms for Fryeburg Fair market lambs are now available online. Market Lambs must be owned and in possession of 4-H’er by June 1, 2026, and must be a castrated male. To be eligible for participation, 4-H members must meet the following requirements: send Intent to Sell Form, original bill of sale/value of lamb statement, and pictures of your animal (front and side view) to your county office by June 5.
Animal approval forms for lambs must include the scrapie tag number and list “Fryeburg Sale” as the show class. Additional requirements as well as the fillable online form can be found online on our Fryeburg Fair information page. For more information contact Sadee Mehuren at 207.342.5971; sadee.mehuren@maine.edu or the State 4-H Office at 207.581.3877.
4-H Working Steer Tryout Information
The show season is fast approaching! Working Steer ESE intent forms (due May 1), volunteer interest forms, team member guidelines, and apprentice guidelines are all available on the 4-H Working Steer Animal Science page. The dates for team tryouts are listed below.
June 14 Windsor Fairgrounds
July 11 Ossipee Valley Fair
August 13 Skowhegan Fair
If you have any questions, contact Hillary Arsenault, ESE coordinator, at maineworkingsteer@gmail.com; 207.592.3320 or Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu; 207.342.5971
UMASS Vet Science Academy
Massachusetts 4-H Animal Science and UMASS Vet Science will be welcoming students, ages 13 to 18, interested in veterinary science as a potential career to the UMASS Hadley Farm. There will be two sessions to choose from: Session 1 will be Saturday, June 13 and 14. Session 2 will be June 15 and 16. Youth will be learning about the wide range of opportunities in this profession and will get tons of hands-on animal experience. Youth will be staying overnight in a UMASS dorm!
Register for UMASS Vet Science Academy, Session One
Register for UMASS Vet Science Academy, Session Two
If you are not a Massachusetts 4-H’er, you will need to create a profile. Please select “state office” as your county. Registration will stay open until all slots are filled. Fees for this program will be $175 per attendee. Visit the UMASS Vet Science Academy payment page to pay. Financial assistance is available. Got questions? Contact Andrew at asamuelson@umass.edu.
4-H Volunteer Corner
Your corner for connection, tips and tricks for Positive Youth Development
4-H is Family
Being part of a group with goals, expectations and responsibilities that focuses on relationships, and celebrating and supporting one another can feel like family. As one 4-H member shared: “When I’m at 4-H, I feel like I’m part of something bigger. That’s what the sense of belonging looks like in action. While the youth members may act as the “primary” family members in your group don’t forget about the other adults who provide their primary care: parents, guardians, and/or grandparents. 4-H volunteers should consider parents, grandparents, and other adult family members as assets. Consider the following strategies to help them feel a part your club as well:
- Tell parents/guardians/grandparents they are welcome and encouraged to attend meetings.
- Have a meeting for parents/guardians/grandparents at the beginning of the year.
- Schedule a 4-H event in which all family members are invited to participate.
- Communicate directly with parents/guardians/grandparents by talking with them face to face, through social media, phone calls, and club meeting notes/agendas/minutes.
- Invite parents/guardians/grandparents to help. Share the list of tasks and find out what each parent is willing to do to assist.
Maine 4-H Volunteer Summit- IN PERSON! Saturday, November 7th!
More details to come in the upcoming months, but we promise food, fun, connection, and learning! Our planning committee is working hard to put together an awesome experience for you all. You won’t want to miss it!
4-H Volunteer Huddle
Join us for a short “gather and learn session” to help you up your game. We meet on the first Friday of each month from 12 – 12:30 pm via Zoom. Whether you are an experienced 4-H volunteer or just getting started, there’s something for everyone. We’d love to see you there! No registration required!
April 3, 2026 — Doing to Understanding: Applying Experiential Learning in 4-H Clubs — Learn how to guide youth through hands-on experiences followed by purposeful reflection, helping them build confidence, critical thinking, and leadership skills.
May 1, 2026 — Understanding the Danish System: More than Just a Ribbon — Explore how the Danish judging system works and what your ribbon really means. This workshop will help you understand the focus on individual achievement, learning, and growth in 4-H project evaluation.
Please note: The Zoom link and password will be emailed to all enrolled 4-H volunteers, or you can email Tara Wood tara.a.wood@maine.edu to request it.
4-H Volunteer Opportunities Calendar
Find our 4-H volunteer training opportunities on our 4-H Volunteer Calendar — scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe to the calendar and never miss upcoming events, workshops, and more!
University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination.